Shanghai, known as "Hu" or "Shen" in short, is one of the largest economic centers of China and a gate to the Yangtze River delta. It is a municipality under the direct jurisdiction of the Central Government of China.

Shanghai lies on the west bank of the Pacific and the east coast of the Asian continent and halfway along China's coastline, with an area of 6,340.5 sq. km. It enjoys four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine and rainfall.

By the end of 2007, the city had a permanent population of 18,580,000 and a population with registered permanent residence of 13,788,600.

Shanghai became a town in 1292, when the central government in the Yuan Dynasty established Shanghai County. It was once the largest economic center in the Far East. Since the founding of New China in 1949 and, in particular, the start of reform and opening-up in 1978, Shanghai's economy and society have undergone historic changes and the city has become one of the largest economic centers of China. Today, it is striding toward an international economic, financial, trade and shipping center.

Shanghai, one the most attractive cities of China, is a melting pot with all-embracing tolerance of cultures and a fascinating metropolis blending dynamic fashion and graceful nostalgia. Just like someone has said that, it is where old people can cherish their memory of the past and young people can find fashion to follow, foreigners feel very Chinese and Chinese feel very foreign, which is indeed the true essence of Shanghai culture.

Thanks to its rich history, attractive culture and special geographical location, Shanghai boasted a lot of charming scenic spots including landscape, historic sites as well as modern architectures, which attract an increasing number of tourists at home and abroad.

Travel in Shanghai, you can experience the elegance of old Shanghai by roaming along the Bund, feel the dynamic fashion by shopping in the Nanjing Road, as well as enjoy the romantic mood in mixed style of Shanghai and the west by seating in the Xintiandi. You can experience the folk atmosphere of bustling ancient town in Yu Garden as well as enjoy a bird's eye view of modern Shanghai from the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. You can review the yesterday of Shanghai in Shanghai Museum as well as preview its tomorrow in Shanghai City-Planning Exhibition Hall. You can feel the magic power of science in the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum as well as experience the charm of arts in Shanghai Grand Theatre.

Shanghai, also known as the ideal paradise for shoppers and gourmets, has much more attractions waiting for you.

On Dec. 3, 2002, Shanghai succeeded in winning the bid for the sponsorship of World Expo 2010. The theme of the Shanghai Expo is Betty City, Better Life and the mascot is Haibao.

It is worth mentioning that Shanghai Expo will be the first expo hosted by a developing country, the first expo with city as its theme and the first expo with the largest participation countries and regions of the world.

Shanghai will surely host a successful, wonderful and impressive Expo in 2010 and the people of Shanghai warmly welcome visitors from home and overseas!

(Eastday.com April 14, 2010)